Perilla Drug Interactions, Uses, Effectiveness, Safety & More

Perilla (Perilla frutescens) is an annual plant in the mint family that is native to East and Southeast Asia. It is sometimes called beefsteak plant or Japanese basil. The leaves come in green and purple varieties and are widely used in Korean, Japanese, and Chinese cooking.

Beyond the kitchen, perilla has a long history in traditional Chinese and East Asian medicine. The leaves, seeds, and seed oil are used in teas, capsules, and oils. People most often take it for allergy symptoms, breathing complaints, and digestive upset.

Perilla contains several compounds that may explain its proposed effects. These include rosmarinic acid, flavonoids such as luteolin and apigenin, and alpha-linolenic acid (an omega-3 fatty acid found in the seed oil).

In laboratory and animal research, these compounds appear to reduce inflammatory signals, calm immune cells such as mast cells, and act as antioxidants. This is the proposed reason for its traditional use in allergy and inflammation.

Keep in mind that most of these mechanisms have been shown in cells or animals, not in well-designed human studies, so the real-world benefit in people is still uncertain.

As a food and seasoning, perilla is generally considered safe for most people. The safety of concentrated supplements, extracts, and essential oils is less well studied.

People with known allergies to plants in the mint family should be cautious. Essential oil is highly concentrated and should never be swallowed unless under professional guidance. Because data are lacking, pregnant and breastfeeding people should avoid medicinal amounts and stick to normal food use only after checking with their provider.

If you have a chronic condition, take prescription medicines, or are scheduled for surgery, talk with your pharmacist or doctor before starting perilla supplements.

When used as food, perilla rarely causes problems. Possible side effects from larger or supplement amounts may include mild stomach upset or allergic reactions in sensitive people.

Some people who work closely with the plant have reported skin irritation or breathing irritation from the leaves or oil. Stop use and seek care if you notice rash, swelling, or trouble breathing.

There is no well-established standard dose for perilla supplements. Products vary widely in their form and strength, from leaf teas to seed oil softgels to standardized extracts.

The safest approach is to follow the directions on the product label and not to exceed them. Because doses have not been firmly set by research, check with your pharmacist or doctor before using perilla, especially in higher or concentrated amounts.